Functionality

Last week I took Cuy to an osteopath and as we were talking during the initial consult, he asked me a question I feel like I’ve been asked a lot lately.  It doesn’t bother me at all, it’s just a tough one to answer.

“Is he high functioning?” 

I say he’s high functioning…however…

It’s a pretty subjective question.  Subjective because I can only answer that if I compare him to other kids – but do I compare him to neurotypical (aka NT aka “normal”) kids or do I compare him to other kids on the spectrum when I answer?

Then it can turn into a complex answer.  If we are measuring his skills against those of NT kids, well then he’s not that high functioning.  He can’t have a fluid conversation, he is still at a very early stage of reading (but by God he is reading!!), he won’t play with other kids, can’t ride a bike, stims/bounces/hums like crazy.  He is just very very different from the other kids.  
(but really – who wants to be the same…?)

On the other hand if I compare him to other kids on the spectrum he could be seen as quite high functioning. He can talk, he can read, he shares bits of his day with us, is inquisitive and asks a lot of questions, his printing is neat and he draws great pictures, he can participate in his mainstream class at school and do (mostly) the same work as the others, follows routines and manages very well if there is any change.  He is independent and can take care of his own basic needs (feed, dress, bathe/shower himself), loves the laptop and his iPad, haircuts and doctor and dentist visits are fairly smooth sailing for him.  He fully understands and LOVES Halloween, Easter, Christmas and birthdays.

He’s happy and and full of spirit that a lot of NT don’t have.

All of those things make me happy.  So ya.  High functioning.  That’s my answer.